Liebler’s playoff eagle wins Festival title

Steve Liebler won his fifth Festival of Flowers title with an eagle 2 on the first playoff hole.

Steve Liebler of Irmo is no stranger to making great shots on the golf course. He has a hard time remembering how many par-4s he has eagled in his career, but he will remember his last one.

Liebler was in a four-way playoff for the win at the Festival of Flowers Championship being played at The Patriot at Grand Harbor.

It only took the four-time winner two shots in the playoff to become a five-time winner of the tournament.

Playing the par-4 first hole to start the playoff, Liebler hit a perfect drive down the center of the fairway. He had about 108 yards to the hole and picked a 52 degree wedge.

“With four in the playoff I thought I needed a three to be able to go to the next hole.” he said.

His shot was on line all the way. It hit a few feet in front of the pin and then easily rolled into the cup, barely touching the pin.

Liebler shows off the ball he used to win the Festival of Flowers with an eagle 2 on the playoff hole.

“I knew I had a good line when I hit, but you have to have some luck to be able to make a shot like that,” said Liebler.

Liebler was the first to hit his approach shot into the green and when it ended up in the hole the three other golfers in the playoffs knew it was over.

J.J. Jordan, Scott Skiff and Jordan Warnock tried to equal Liebler’s great shot, but none came close and the trio had to settle for a tie for second place.

‘This has always been one of my favorite tournaments. It had a couple of down years, but it looks like it is coming back. It is great to see some of the good college players returning because it makes for a better tournament,” he said.

Liebler adds the 2016 title to victories he earned in 2014, 2010, 2007 and 2002. He shot rounds of 72 and 71 for a 143 total.